Live Updates: Ukraine War +++ 18:44 - Merz Shuts Down Public Gaze on Weapon Deliveries
Arms Deliveries to Ukraine to Cease Being Publicized by the Federal Government
Head honcho Friedrich Merz of the new federal administration will pipe down the regularly scheduled release of military aid to Ukraine that started in June 2022. In a heart-to-heart with ntv in Kiew, Merz made it plain:
Merz's statement verifies a report released on Friday. The CDU head emphasizes that there'll be no change in the commitment to support Ukraine in their fight against the Russian offensive. Merz, however, kept mum on the matter of whether the new government plans on delivering Taurus cruise missiles.
18:09 - Turkey Ready to Monitor Ceasefire
According to an insider from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Turkey declared its willingness to monitor a potential ceasefire in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Turkish FM Hakan Fidan communicated this sentiment in a phone conversation with the head honchos of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland, the insider mentioned. During the chat with the coalition of willing leaders, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's stance in backing Ukraine's territorial integrity. Bear in mind, Turkey is a NATO member that maintains a buddy-buddy relationship with both Ukraine and Russia.
17:30 - High-Ranking Ukrainian National Guard Officials Busted
The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has canned six high-ranking officials from the logistics department of the National Guard. The sacking comes after whispers of a comprehensive anti-corruption investigation, according to the digital newspaper "The New Voice of Ukraine," quoting the ministry. The ministry professed to be working hand-in-hand with law enforcement in this matter. Further details weren't provided in the official statement.
Previous reports suggested that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) had taken action against several members of the National Guard, with allegations that the officials accepted around 190 million hryvnia (4 million euros) in bribes and embezzled almost 200 million hryvnia (4.3 million euros) in public funds.
16:56 - Zelensky: Russia Deceives About Ceasefire
Just before the unilateral Russian ceasefire deadline, Ukrainian President Zelensky voiced his concerns about massive violations of the truce.
Zelensky said in a meeting with allied leaders in Kiew, consisting of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland. Russia hasn't ceased attacking Ukrainian positions and border communities from the air. Putin staged the ceasefire only for the Victory Day parade on Friday.
he said, adding that:
16:35 - Kremlin Angry at Western Confrontational Stance
Following the call for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, the Kremlin took the West to task for a confrontational attitude.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow. Peskov, however, didn't directly address the Europeans' demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday.
15:55 - Medvedev: "Up Yours with Your Peace Plans!"
In Moscow, Ukraine's call for a 30-day ceasefire starting this Monday faced a blunt rejection. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, blurted:
The former Kremlin head expressed himself in vulgar terms about the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kiew, including newly-appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ukrainian President Zelensky threatened sanctions if Russia didn't agree to the ceasefire starting Monday during talks with Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk.
Politics - Kremlin Rejects: "Up Yours with Your Peace Plans!"
15:33 - Merz Open to Telephone Convo with Putin
Merz stated that he'd be open to a phone conversation with Putin.
he said, mentioning that he'd engage in such conversations only with the approval of his partners and the US.
15:12 - Merz Points to Small Chance for End of Ukraine Conflict
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has expressed cautious optimism that an end to the Russian assault on Ukraine is achievable.
he said in an interview with ARD's Tagesthemen, conducted from Kiew. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin must realize that continuing the war is hopeless, Merz opined. The European Union is already cooking up another batch of sanctions.
Politics - Merz in Kiew - Trump "is on board - also with further sanctions"
14:39 - Merz Promises Continued Military Support, Alters Transparency
Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged continued military backing for Ukraine and highlighted close coordination with European partners and the US in his sizzle reel from Kiew. Regarding the possible delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, Merz told ntv:
Merz went on to say:
He insisted that people have a legitimate interest in knowing about military aid decisions; they will still be deliberated in the cabinet and with international partners, Merz underlined.
Politics - Merz in Kiew on Ceasefire Proposal: Trump "is on board - also with further sanctions"
14:32 - Merz Threatens Russia with New Sanctions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened Russia with severe consequences if it refuses a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict and subsequent peace talks.
Merz told Bild newspaper in Kiew. The Americans would jump on board with this escalation of sanctions, Merz asserted. US President Trump appears to be losing patience with Russian President Putin, the Chancellor underscored. The ball is now in Putin's court.
Politics - With Macron, Starmer, Tusk in Kiew - Merz makes demands on Moscow
13:55 - Ukraine Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire to Kremlin
Ukrainian President Selenskyj and visitingheads of government from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland have had a "productive" phone call with US President Donald Trump. Selenskyj announced that his country is prepared to propose a 30-day ceasefire, starting Monday, to Russia.
Politics - After Phone Call with Trump, Ukraine Offers Putin 30-Day Ceasefire
13:10 - Report: Thousands of Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia
At least 19,456 children have been abducted from Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukrainian human rights groups report this based on evidence, estimating the actual number to be significantly higher. Secured Kremlin documents suggest that Moscow had already planned these abductions before the full-fledged war began in 2022. The project, institutionalized to rob Ukraine of its next generation, aims to make them the next generation of Russians.
Politics - Ukraine Reveals Report: Nearly 20,000 Child Abductions to Russia
12:58 - Calls Grow for Taurus Missiles for Ukraine
The call for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine is swelling. The chair of the European Parliament's Defense Committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, told the Rheinische Post:
She added:
Violence in Ukraine - Soldiers Show Devastation of Vovchansk
12:43 - EU Ready for Harsh Sanctions Against Russia
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen boldly declared that the European Union is ready for further harsh sanctions against Russia if it breaks a previously agreed-upon ceasefire with Ukraine. She supports the proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Politics - EU Also Ready for Harsh Sanctions Against Russia
12:04 - Macron Threatens More Pressure on Russia if Necessary
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated threats during his visit to Kiew concerning the Ukraine conflict:
he wrote on Twitter. If Moscow continues to thwart this peace, Macron continued:
Politics - Macron, Starmer, and Tusk visit Kiew, Macron Threatens More Pressure on Russia if Necessary
11:39 - British Navy Intercepts Russian Submarine
On its way home from the Mediterranean to Russia, a submarine from Moscow's fleet traveled across the English Channel. A British helicopter observed the underwater vessel from the air, and the British warship HMS Tyne intercepted the Russian Krasnodar off the French coast. The moment was captured on video yesterday.
Politics - Russian submarine spotted in the English Channel, filmed by helicopter
11:24 - Iran Speculated to Deliver Carrier Rockets for Russian Missiles
The Iran is speculated to dispatch carrier rockets for Russian ballistic short-range missiles of the Fath-360 type in the near future, based on sources anticipating a delivery. There's no concrete evidence for this. In September 2024, the US spotted that Iran was transporting missiles on board nine vessels flying under the Russian flag to Russia. However, the ammunition arrived without the necessary carrier rockets. The delivery of carrier rockets would signify a deepening of ties between the Kremlin and the mullahs. Russia has been purchasing long-range drones from Iran for a while now.
10:48 - Merz Threatens Russia with Harsher Sanctions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened Russia with severe consequences if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict and subsequent peace talks:
Merz told the Bild newspaper in Kiew. The Americans would jump on board with this escalation of sanctions, Merz affirmed. Trump is losing patience with Putin, the Chancellor pointed out. Now the ball is in Putin's court.
Politics - Merz, Macron, and Starmer in Kiew - Merz makes demands on Moscow
08:51 - Russia Demands Halt to Arms Aid for Ceasefire
Russia has demanded an end to arms supplies to Kyiv as a precondition for a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told US broadcaster ABC.
he said. Ukraine, Peskov explained, would utilize a ceasefire to continue its "total mobilization," train new personnel, and give current fighters a break.
he inquired, without addressing the fact that the Kremlin could also benefit from a break. Russia appears to be making progress in its push in Ukraine and currently holds the strategic initiative, Peskov maintained.
Politics - Before Appeal in Kiew, Kremlin: Ceasefire Only if Arms Deliveries Stop
08:02 - Ukraine Expects New Arms Deliveries from Allies
Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev expects German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to pledge new weapon deliveries to Ukraine during his visit to Kiew.
he said upon Merz's arrival, in response to a question. He didn't disclose specifics. The new German administration has recently decided to cloak the specifics of arms deliveries to Ukraine, preferring secrecy and "strategic ambiguity" to deny a military advantage to the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict. The intention here is "to deny military advantages to the aggressor in the Ukraine war."
07:17 - Heads of State and Government Jet Off to Kiew
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has embarked on a train ride to Kiew with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There, they'll meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to promote a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire. This window would be used for peace negotiations with Russia, according to their intentions.
07:15 - Ukraine Announces 1,310 Russia Losses
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army reports 1,310 losses on the Russian side since yesterday. This pushes the total number of enemy soldiers killed or wounded since the start of the full-scale invasion three years ago to 964,580. In addition, the Ukrainians claim to have destroyed four Russian tanks, seven armored personnel carriers, 49 artillery systems, one air defense system, and 106 tank and transport vehicles in the last 24 hours.
06:57 - US Embassy in Kiew Warns of Potential Major Russian Missile Strike
The US Embassy in Kiew has received information about a potentially significant air strike that could happen in the coming days, according to an embassy statement. A similar warning was issued in November 2024, a day before Russia attacked Dnipro with a ballistic medium-range missile of the Oreschnik type. Several Ukrainian media outlets are now reporting that Russia is shutting the airspace around its military test site in Kapustin Yar - the launch site for Oreschniks. With a new Oreschnik air strike, the Kremlin could attempt to hinder a joint US and European plan for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
06:03 - Merz, Starmer, Macron, Tusk Travel to Kiew
The heads of state and government of Germany, France, the UK, and Poland are embarking on a historic show of solidarity with Ukraine: Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Donald Tusk are off to Kiew together. The four leaders are expected to discuss a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict and plans for future military and economic support for Ukraine.
05:32 - Wadephul Focuses on Baltic Region Security
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul intends to enhance security in the entire Baltic region in light of recent suspected acts of sabotage in the Baltic Sea.
the CDU politician told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. Wadephul refers to purportedly deliberately destroyed data cables between Baltic countries and Scandinavia, the removal of border buoys in the Baltic, and the violation of the airspace of EU and NATO countries by Russia, as well as the aggressive behavior of the Russian navy.
said the foreign minister.
03:55 - Kim Jong Un: Participation in War Granted by Sovereignty
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un justifies his country's expedition into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kim said, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.
he added. Pyongyang confirmed at the end of April that it had deployed more than 10,000 soldiers and armaments to Russia.
01:33 - Virtual Meeting Planned for Peacekeeping Troops
Merz, Tusk, Starmer, and Macron are planning a virtual meeting with dozens of other nations, alongside Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, to discuss plans for a peacekeeping force following a peace treaty. France and the UK, with a "coalition of the willing," have begun planning such a force. Merz previously said it's too early for such considerations, and decisions on a German contribution would only be made if a peace agreement is reached.
Tensions continue to escalate between Ukraine and Russia as both sides refuse to agree on a ceasefire. On the international front, the leaders of Germany, France, the UK, and Poland are traveling to Kyiv to show their support for Ukraine and push for talks. The Kremlin, however, has shown resistance, with Putin questioning the importance of a ceasefire and threatening harsh consequences if Ukraine receives further support. Meanwhile, allegations of child abductions and corruption within the Ukrainian military continue to surface.
Ukraine Conflict
Russia
NATO
Geopolitics
Corruption
Human Rights
Cyberwarfare
Arms Race
Cold War
Ethics in Warfare
War Crimes
Sources:
ntv.de
[Based on information available as of 01:30 a.m. CEST on 24th May 2025]
Enrichment data: Military assistance provided by Germany to Ukraine and its value have been extensive and ongoing, including advanced weaponry and training support. The new federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz ceased publicly publishing detailed reports on weapons deliveries, aiming to create a "strategic ambiguity" and protect tactical information from hostile intelligence efforts. Russia has demanded a halt to arms supplies as a precondition for a 30-day ceasefire, indicating their desire to prevent Ukraine from gaining an advantage during a potential truce.
- The new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged continued military support for Ukraine while aiming to limit the transparency of military aid discussions, saying, "Under my leadership, the debates on weapons deliveries, calibers, weapon systems, and so forth, will be taken out of the public eye."
- Turkey has expressed its readiness to monitor any potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan communicating this sentiment to top leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland.
- A comprehensive anti-corruption investigation has resulted in the dismissal of six high-ranking officials from the logistics department of the National Guard in Ukraine.
- In the midst of calls for a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin is angered by what it perceives as a confrontational attitude from the West, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, "There are contradictory statements from Europe, which are generally more inclined towards confrontation than making efforts to revive our relations."
